Schnitzel with a delicious thick tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Schnitzel with a delicious thick tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. is a medium Greek recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by greekmancooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $11.77 total, $2.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin, for sautéing)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce (plain or seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1/2 cup Water
- 3 whole berries Allspice
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 pinches Salt
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- 3 Pork Cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick, each cut in half)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 cup Corn Oil (for frying)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
Instructions
Make the Tomato Sauce
Heat a medium saucepan over medium‑high heat, add olive oil, then sauté minced garlic for about 20 seconds. Add diced onion and cook ~1 minute until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, then tomato paste, mixing until the paste dissolves. Add water, three whole allspice berries, a bay leaf, a couple of pinches of salt and a pinch of pepper. Reduce heat to medium‑low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Time: PT16M
Temperature: medium
Prepare the Pork Cutlets
Take three pork cutlets (about 1/4‑inch thick) and cut each in half, yielding six pieces. Season both sides of each piece with salt and pepper.
Time: PT5M
Set Up Dredging Station
Place 1 cup of all‑purpose flour in a shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second dish, and 1 cup of bread crumbs in a third dish.
Time: PT3M
Bread the Schnitzel
Coat each pork piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumbs ensuring an even coating on both sides.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil for Frying
Add 1 cup of corn oil to the frying pan and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Fry the Schnitzel
Working in batches of two, place the breaded pieces in the hot oil. Cook each side for about 2½ minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium
Preheat the Oven
While the last batch is frying, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 180°C
Assemble in Baking Pan
Arrange the fried schnitzel pieces on a baking pan. Spoon a generous amount of the thick tomato sauce over each piece, then sprinkle grated mozzarella evenly on top.
Time: PT5M
Bake Until Cheese Melts
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 3–4 minutes, until the mozzarella is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 180°C
Serve
Remove from oven, let rest a minute, then serve hot. Enjoy!
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Wheat (flour, breadcrumbs), Eggs, Dairy (mozzarella), Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Onion: shallot (1 small)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: ketchup (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Allspice: ground allspice (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Pork Cutlets: chicken breast cutlets
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Eggs: egg substitute (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Bread Crumbs: panko breadcrumbs
- Instead of Corn Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Frying Pan
- Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Two Forks (optional)
- Paper Towels (optional)
- Oven
- Spatula or Slotted Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmer tomato sauce until thick (Step 1)
- Season and evenly coat pork cutlets with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs (Step 4)
- Fry schnitzel without breaking the breadcrumb crust (Step 6)
- Bake just until mozzarella melts (Step 9)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pound the pork cutlets to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Keep the oil temperature steady; if it drops, the coating will absorb excess oil.
- After frying, let the schnitzel rest on paper towels for 2 minutes before assembling.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery.
Continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes; add a pinch of tomato paste to thicken.
Breadcrumb coating falls off during frying.
Make sure each piece is fully dried after flour and egg dips, and let the coated schnitzel rest 5 minutes before frying.
Schnitzel isn’t golden brown.
Increase oil temperature slightly and fry in a single layer; avoid crowding the pan.
Mozzarella doesn’t melt fully.
Preheat the oven fully and bake for the full 4 minutes; if needed, broil for 1 minute watching closely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven to retain crispness.
Freezer: Freeze cooked schnitzel (without cheese) in a single layer, then bag; up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tomato sauce a day ahead; store refrigerated and reheat gently.
- Bread the schnitzel and keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 hours before frying.
- Cook the schnitzel fully, omit the cheese, then freeze; add cheese and bake when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of schnitzel in Greek cuisine?
Schnitzel, known as "schnitzel" or "kotopoulo schnitzel" in Greece, was introduced during the early 20th‑century European influence and quickly became a beloved comfort food, often served with lemon, salads, or tomato‑based sauces.
What are traditional regional variations of schnitzel in Greek cuisine?
In Greece, pork schnitzel is common, but you’ll also find chicken or veal versions. Some regions add oregano or feta to the breadcrumb mix, while island versions may use olive oil‑based sauces instead of tomato.
How is tomato‑sauce mozzarella schnitzel traditionally served in Greece?
It is typically plated on a baking dish, topped with a thick tomato sauce and generous mozzarella, then baked briefly. It is served hot with a side of Greek salad, lemon wedges, or roasted potatoes.
During which Greek celebrations or occasions is schnitzel commonly prepared?
Schnitzel appears at family gatherings, weekend meals, and festive occasions such as name‑days and Easter brunches, valued for its quick preparation and crowd‑pleasing flavor.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Greek schnitzel versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Greek schnitzel uses pork or veal, plain breadcrumbs, olive oil for frying, and often a simple lemon‑olive‑oil dressing. Substitutes like chicken, panko breadcrumbs, or vegetable oil work but change the traditional texture and flavor.
What other Greek dishes pair well with tomato sauce mozzarella schnitzel?
Serve it alongside a classic Greek salad, lemon‑herb roasted potatoes, or a side of tzatziki. A glass of crisp white wine such as Assyrtiko complements the dish nicely.
How has schnitzel evolved in modern Greek home cooking?
Modern Greek cooks often add Mediterranean twists—like tomato‑based sauces, mozzarella, or herbs—to the classic breaded cutlet, creating richer, oven‑finished versions that blend traditional technique with contemporary flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making tomato sauce mozzarella schnitzel?
Common errors include burning the garlic, letting the breadcrumb coating fall off by not letting it rest before frying, frying at too low a temperature which makes the crust soggy, and over‑baking the cheese so it dries out.
Why does this recipe use a brief oven bake instead of cooking the schnitzel entirely on the stovetop?
Finishing the schnitzel in the oven melts the mozzarella evenly without over‑cooking the pork, and it allows the thick tomato sauce to meld with the crust while keeping the breadcrumb coating crisp.
What does the YouTube channel greekmancooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel greekmancooking focuses on approachable Greek home‑cooking, sharing traditional recipes with modern twists, clear step‑by‑step demonstrations, and practical tips for everyday cooks.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
